Teenager admits reckless driving causing death

The mangled wreck of Fitzpatrick's car after the crash. Photo / Jason Dorday

A 16-year old teenager has admitted to a charge of reckless driving causing death after he crashed a stolen car and killed a man.

The teen appeared in the Youth Court at Auckland today.

He cannot be named for legal reasons.

The police said the teen had been in the care of Child Youth and Family (CYF) when he escaped and stole a car in January.

He also admitted to two other charged of of dangerous driving causing injury and failing to stop after an accident.

The teenager was driving a stolen Subaru Forester that was racing through industrial Mt Wellington early on January 7 when it smashed into a car driven by 22-year-old Shaun Fitzpatrick.

Mr Fitzpatrick was killed.

The teen was put into CYF custody but later escaped.

Today he was remanded back into CYF custody until his sentencing next month, which the family of Mr Fitzpatrick is expected to attend.